Alexander the Great

1
Alexander the Great

• In this lesson, students will identify the
  contributions of Alexander the Great to world
  history.
• Students will be able to identify and/or define
  the following terms
• Alexander the Great
• Macedonia
• Hellenism

2
Greeces neighbor to the north is Macedonia.
3
Philip II

• Philip II was a king of Macedonia. In 338 B.C.,
  he conquered the Greek city-states.
• After his successful conquest of the Greeks, he
  planned to conquer Persia.
• However, he died before he could realize his plan.

4
This ancient coin bears the image of Philip II of
Macedonia.
5
Alexander the Great

• After the death of Philip II, his son, Alexander,
  set out to conquer the world.
• Alexander quickly conquered Asia Minor, Egypt,
  and Babylon. By 330 B.C., he defeated all of the
  Persian armies.
• Alexander moved his army all the way to the Indus
  River.

6
Alexander the Great conquered a vast empire.
7
A Tired Army

• When Alexanders soldiers reached the Indus
  River, they begged Alexander to turn back.
• The Indus River was the end of the known world
  for his soldiers.
• In 323 B.C., Alexander developed a fever in
  Babylon. He died within a few days.

8
Alexander the Great was only 32 when he died.
For 13 years, he had ruled a vast empire.
9
After the death of Alexander

• Alexanders empire fell apart after his death.
• His three generals divided the empire into three
  kingdoms-Macedon, Egypt, and Syria.
• These kingdoms often fought each other but they
  were united by their common Greek culture.

10
After the death of Alexander the Great, his vast
empire was divided among his generals.
11
Hellenism

• Alexander the Great spread Greek culture
  throughout his empire.
• As Greek culture spread eastward, it blended with
  other cultures. This blend of eastern and
  western cultures is called Hellenism.
• Hellenism comes from the Greek word Hellas,
  which means their own land.

12
Hellenism is a Greek like culture.
13
Hellenistic Culture

• Hellenistic culture shaped the Mediterranean
  world for nearly 300 years.
• However, Alexanders dream of creating an
  enduring empire with one government did not come
  true.
• After Alexanders death, the Romans eventually
  realized this dream

14
Alexander the Great spread Greek culture
throughout the Mediterranean world.
15
Questions for Reflection

• Where is Macedonia located?
• List two accomplishments of Alexander the Great.
• Why did Alexanders soldiers want to return home
  after invading the Indus River Valley?
• What happened to Alexanders empire after his
  death? Why did this happen?
• Define Hellenism.